We inhale and exhale oxygen and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is essential for our body's cells to function properly and to produce energy. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of the energy-producing process and is released when we exhale.
What is Oxygen?
Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up roughly 21% of the air we breathe. It is an essential element for the human body, as it is needed to produce energy for our cells. It combines with other elements, such as hydrogen and carbon, to form compounds that are necessary for the body's metabolic processes.
What is Carbon Dioxide?
Carbon dioxide is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up roughly 0.04% of the air we breathe. It is produced as a byproduct of cellular respiration, in which the body breaks down food to produce energy. When we exhale, we release carbon dioxide into the air. Carbon dioxide is also absorbed by plants during photosynthesis, which helps to maintain the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
